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2019 | Book

Prolegomena: The Bhagavad Gītā: A Timeless Manual for Self-Mastery and Leadership Read chapter Read first chapter

Bhagavad Gītā and Leadership

A Catalyst for Organizational Transformation

Author: Satinder Dhiman

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Palgrave Studies in Workplace Spirituality and Fulfillment

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This book shows how the Bhagavad Gītā (part of the great Indian epic — the Mahābhārata) can be approached as a powerful tool for change management and as a catalyst for organizational transformation. It presents time-tested leadership strategies drawn from the Bhagavad Gītā that are relevant for today’s leaders. This book focuses on how to harmonize the needs of the individual with the needs of society, and by extension, how to harmonize the needs of employees and the organization. It employs an inside-out leadership development approach based on Self-knowledge and Self-mastery, the two highly important areas for practicing effective Self-leadership. The Gītā is a non-sectarian spiritual text with a universal message for living a life of meaning, purpose, and contribution and for leading from our authentic self. It shows how to manage oneself, as a necessary prelude to leading others. Students and organizational leaders will learn to integrate leadership function more effectively into all aspects at the individual, team, and institutional level.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Prolegomena: The Bhagavad Gītā: A Timeless Manual for Self-Mastery and Leadership
Abstract
The Bhagavad Gı̄tā literally means the “Song of the Supreme Being.” This opening chapter introduces the Bhagavad Gı̄tā as a timeless manual for Self-mastery and leadership. After briefly recounting the author’s preparation for this book, it offers pointers on how to approach the teachings of the Gı̄tā. It lays out the setting by providing an overview of the subject matter of the Gı̄tā and its relevance for contemporary leaders and organizations. Additionally, it provides a synoptic overview of all the chapters of this book. Each chapter of the book is presented integrally as an independent whole, and yet the teachings of the Gı̄tā are unfolded in a progressive manner.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 2. Introduction: Text and the Leadership Context of the Gītā
Abstract
This chapter establishes the text and the leadership context of the Bhagavad Gı̄tā. The Gı̄tā is a non-sectarian spiritual text with a universal message for living a life of meaning and purpose and for leading from our authentic self. Although traditionally interpreted as a religious-spiritual text, the Gı̄tā encompasses great practical life and leadership lessons for modern times. It shows how to manage oneself, as a necessary prelude to leading others. The Bhagavad Gı̄tā’s call for selfless action inspired many leaders of the Indian independence movement including Gandhi, who regarded it as his “spiritual dictionary.”
The Bhagavad Gı̄tā, a philosophical poem par excellence, has been extolled as “the scripture of scriptures” within the corpus of Indian spiritual texts. Its unusual battlefield setting, highly practical orientation, and deep philosophical import have endeared it to people from all walks of life looking for guidance in both the sacred and secular realms. While there are many books that aspire to present spiritual truths in practical terms, perhaps there is no other book which presents such an integral vision of attaining the ultimate purpose of life (mokṣa or liberation) while fully engaged in the proceedings of life.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 3. The Real Message of the Gītā: Decoding the Text
Abstract
The Gı̄tā, along with the Upaniṣads and Brahma Sūtra, forms an essential part of the three canonical source books, prasthānatrayi, of the entire Hindu tradition. The Gı̄tā is both a spiritual treatise and a manual for successful living. In this chapter, we will attempt to determine the central theme of the Gı̄tā by applying a three-step interpretative process. First, we will analyze the colophon at the end of each chapter of the Gı̄tā. Secondly, we will apply an exegetical analysis methodology called hermeneutics, a qualitative methodology involving an in-depth interpretation of a key text, to the Bhagavad Gı̄tā, to determine its main message. Finally, we will provide a brief summary of each of the 18 chapters of the Gı̄tā to introduce the text and to synergistically determine its emergent message.
Following the literal meaning of the Gı̄tā is not hard; the real challenge is understanding its true spirit. Understanding the true spirit of its message clearly will provide a sure footing for applying its teachings to the leadership domain, as enunciated in the subsequent chapters of this book.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 4. Advaita Vedānta: The Science of Reality
Abstract
This chapter presents an in-depth survey of Advaita Vedānta as an essential framework to unfold the profound message of the Gı̄tā. To facilitate the comprehension of the text, it will review the key tenets of Vedānta, the earliest and the most refined science of Self-knowledge. This chapter also presents the Vedic ontology and epistemology to explain what is real and how we know what is real. If the first job of a leader is to define reality, as Max Depree once remarked, then understanding what is real can furnish important clues to defining the context and reality of leadership. The Gı̄tā unfolds the vision of the Vedas, the world’s foremost and perhaps oldest wisdom texts. Advaita Vedānta represents the culmination of Vedic wisdom, both historically and philosophically.
By way of a holistic approach to life and leadership, the chapter unfolds the vision of Oneness as propounded by Advaita Vedānta, the non-dual philosophy enunciated in the Bhagavad Gı̄tā, the Upaniṣads, and Brahma Sutra—the three principal source wisdom texts (prasthāna-traya) of Vedānta. It shows that Self-knowledge, as the knowledge of our true nature, is a self-evident, self-established fact. Due to Self-ignorance, we are unaware of this vital fact. The goal of Vedānta is to help us dis-cover Self-knowledge and fulfillment, right here and now, as our essential nature. Vedānta boldly declares: “There is only One Reality. The world is an expression of it. That art thou! Know the Limitless Awareness, Brahman, as your inmost Self, Ātman, and be free!” This is the promise of Vedānta.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 5. Karma Yoga: The Path of Enlightened Action
Abstract
This chapter presents the teachings of the Bhagavad Gı̄tā regarding karma yoga, the path of enlightened action, and its application to leadership. The words karma and yoga have become a regular part of everyday discourse in the West, and this chapter proposes to contribute to the understanding of these ubiquitous terms. In this chapter, we will also focus on the path of detached action as a framework for performing selfless service. Many scholars and practitioners believe that the philosophy of disinterested selfless action, niṣkāma karma, is the most distinctive contribution of the Gı̄tā to the field of practical spirituality. It is perhaps true that nowhere else is the doctrine of disciplined action enunciated with such clarity and granularity as it is in the Bhagavad Gı̄tā. This path of enlightened action is explored in great depth as an alchemy of sage-hood, the realization of one’s Highest Self.
The universality and pervasiveness of action in human life is a veritable fact—nobody can remain action-less even for a moment. Indian philosophy postulates that all actions performed with the desire for self-referent results cause bondage. If we cannot remain without performing actions and all self-centered actions lead to bondage, is there a way out of this relentless cycle of action and reaction? This chapter presents the Gı̄tā’s well-ascertained answer to this enigmatic question. This chapter also briefly discusses the law of karma, since a proper understanding of karma yoga also assumes a clear grasp of the operation of this inexorable law, as conceived within the framework of the Indian spiritual paradigm. The doctrine of karma is far more complex than its popular characterization: “What goes around comes around.”
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 6. Being-Centered Leadership: Leader as an Enlightened Sage
Abstract
This chapter takes as axiomatic that leadership is a voyage of inner discovery and that Self-knowledge is the key to leading from within. This journey begins with knowing oneself and culminates in living one’s deepest values selflessly, working for the common good. This chapter presents a unique conception of the leader as an enlightened sage who operates from a higher stance of being, effortlessly anchored in Self-knowledge and self-mastery. As a prelude to the conception of a sage steady in the wisdom of the Self (sthitaprajña), this chapter also highlights the need, the importance, and the practice of Self-knowledge. Self-knowledge is also essential for leading a fulfilled life. Since happiness is sought for the sake of the self, it stands to reason that the quest for fulfillment should begin with knowing the Self.
By way of illustrating the ideal of being-centered leadership, this chapter briefly profiles three leaders—Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, and Gandhi—who directly or indirectly embodied the values of self-actualization, service, contribution, humility, forgiveness, and higher purpose, as articulated in the Gı̄tā.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 7. Bhakti Yoga: Love and Faith in Leadership
Abstract
This chapter presents the pursuit of divine love and devotion (bhakti yoga), one of three main yogas taught in the Bhagavad Gı̄tā. In Hinduism, the bhakti yoga is a spiritual path of loving devotion to a personal God. The Gı̄tā postulates two main paths to spiritual freedom: karma yoga: the pursuit of enlightened action; and jñāna yoga, the pursuit of Self-knowledge (BG 3.3). Bhakti yoga is considered a concomitant to both karma yoga and jñāna yoga, for without loving devotion to the ideal of action or knowledge, it is not possible to succeed in either the pursuit of action or Self-knowledge. Through equanimity, service, detachment, and surrender, the Gı̄tā teaches the art of spirituality while being deeply engaged in worldly conduct.
One of the most important applications of bhakti yoga is by way of treating everything as sacred, invested with intrinsic goodness and meaning. Bhakti yoga bestows the perspective that everyone and everything has a purpose. Essentially, it means a feeling of oneness (at-one-ment) with the whole existence (sarvātmabhāva) and seeing God in everything and everything in God. This understanding lends a certain sanctity to all of our activities and helps foster an environment of empathy, kinship, and solidarity. This reclaiming of the sacred dimension of life is sorely needed in the present-day world plagued by distrust, disengagement, and disharmony. The chapter will conclude with leadership lessons based on the path of loving devotion.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 8. Mind: A Leader’s Greatest Friend and Foe
Abstract
This chapter presents the teachings of the Gı̄tā on understanding and restraining the mind and emotions. Given the growing importance of mindfulness and meditation in fostering workplace wellbeing, this chapter also presents the guidelines that the Gı̄tā provides for mastering the mind through the practice of meditation. The Gı̄tā unfolds as an infallible guide for those higher-order individuals who externally live a life of full engagement with the world, while internally always remaining steadfastly anchored in the wisdom of their Higher Self and Awareness. It is common knowledge that mental strength and determination are the keys to leadership success; leaders who are mentally weak and wayward cannot achieve a durable and consistent organizational vision or mission.
The Gı̄tā reminds us that an unruly mind is our greatest foe, and a stable mind our greatest friend. It places great emphasis on self-restraint and mental discipline. The outcome of an unrestrained mind is a life given to selfish desire, anger, and greed leading to disempowering culture. These three traps (excessive desire, anger, and greed) are present in every dysfunctional organization, manifested to the highest degree in its leaders. Given the need and importance of meditation during these stressful times, this chapter will also present the teachings of the Gı̄tā on the art and science of stilling the mind.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 9. Doing the Right Thing: Leaders’ Moral and Spiritual Anchorage
Abstract
The Bhagavad Gı̄tā is a book of self-mastery for leaders and managers. This chapter presents the ethical and spiritual philosophy of the Bhagavad Gı̄tā as a pathway to a leader’s self-mastery and freedom. The first part of the chapter presents an axiomatic fact that the fundamental seeking of all human beings is security, peace/happiness, and liberation. By gently pointing out that our whole problem is a misdirected search due to self-ignorance, the Gı̄tā tells us that the only place where permanent and complete happiness and fulfillment can be found is within ourselves—in the fullness of our own being.
To create a context, this chapter will also provide an essential overview of various yogas presented in the Gı̄tā. It mainly focuses on its teachings regarding the discipline of selfless action (karma yoga) and the discipline of Self-knowledge (jñāna yoga) as two basic archetypes of ethics and spirituality presented in the Gı̄tā. In addition, it presents the essence of bhakti yoga, the path of loving devotion, since devotion is a necessary concomitant to success in both karma yoga and jñāna yoga.
Embedded within these three paths to liberation, it will provide a brief overview of the psychological make-up of individuals comprising three basic modes of nature—sattva (purity/goodness) that brings truth/harmony; rajas (movement/passion) that kindles action/activity, and tamas (ignorance/ inertia) that leads to delusion/confusion. The teaching of selfless service and three psychological types have direct application to the field of management and leadership. The chapter will conclude with the five culminating practices for fostering inner security, peace, and harmony in life and leadership.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 10. Be the Change: The Making of a Servant Leader
Abstract
This chapter focuses on the core message of the Gı̄tā, as interpreted by Gandhi and the practical lessons in life and leadership that Gandhi drew from his lifelong study of this timeless spiritual classic. It traces the influence of the Gı̄tā in the fashioning of Gandhi as a servant leader. It demonstrates why the Gı̄tā exercised such a singular hold on Gandhi’s mind and heart. The Gı̄tā was a spiritual reference book for Gandhi. He studied it all his life; he lived, worked, and died according to the spirit of the Gı̄tā. It is well known that Gandhi modeled his life upon the teachings of the Gı̄tā and “constantly referred to it as his ‘spiritual dictionary,’ ‘the mother who never let him down,’ or his ‘kāmdhenū,’ ‘the cow that grants all wishes’.” The Gı̄tā played a pivotal role in guiding, shaping, and solidifying his beliefs and actions.
Gandhi’s firm and sustained belief in spiritual freedom (mokṣa) and self-realization was almost entirely shaped by the teachings of the Gı̄tā. As Gandhi himself tells us in his autobiography and other writings, the Gı̄tā’s emphasis on self-realization and selfless service were the primary sources of inspiration for his life and leadership. This chapter will also examine the question of whether the Gı̄tā advocates war, especially in the light of Gandhi’s interpretation of the Gı̄tā and the epic of the Mahābhārata.
Satinder Dhiman
Chapter 11. Epilogue: Timeless Teachings of the Gītā—Maxims for Life and Leadership
Abstract
This chapter distills the essential teachings of the Gı̄tā on life and leadership. It draws together all the myriad strands presented in the foregoing chapters and offers pointers on the path of action (karma yoga), knowledge (jñāna yoga), meditation (dhyāna yoga), and devotion (bhakti yoga). The path of Self-knowledge as taught in the Gı̄tā garners self-awareness, an essential quality of effective leadership. This self-awareness makes us aware of the fact that, at its very core, all life is essentially one. The diversity and multiplicity that we see is an expression of that one Reality in which everything is irrevocably connected to everything else. According to the Gı̄tā, this understanding helps us live a life of selfless service and contribution, the key to personal happiness and social harmony. The Gı̄tā teaches us that true peace can only come by serving the common good and surrendering to the Divine within us.
The path to leading others starts with self-awareness through self-discipline and ends with self-transcendence through selfless service. The Gı̄tā calls it enlightened leadership. Enlightened leadership is essentially servant leadership. It represents a shift from followers serving leaders to leaders serving followers. Enlightened leaders are not motivated by personal desires or interests. They become instruments of the whole and selflessly serve for the wellbeing of all beings (sarvabhūta hitae, BG 5.25; 12.4). Only those who have relinquished personal ambition can truly serve. According to the Gı̄tā, the path to enlightened leadership is paved with authenticity, humility, service, and compassion. The Gı̄tā teaches us that our choice lifework, svadharma, is a supreme means to discover who we are. The goal is Self-knowledge; service is the means.
The chapter presents 101 maxims of life and leadership according to the teachings of the Gı̄tā.
Satinder Dhiman
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Bhagavad Gītā and Leadership
Author
Satinder Dhiman
Copyright Year
2019
Electronic ISBN
978-3-319-67573-2
Print ISBN
978-3-319-67572-5
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67573-2